When developing research it is necessary to decide which methodologies and methods to use and how to justify this choice and the use of methodologies and methods. Michael Crotty discusses four essential elements of the research process: epistemology, theoretical perspectives, methodology, and methods. Epistemology according to Crotty is the "theory of knowledge embedded in theoretical perspective and therefore methodology", epistemology uses a philosophical foundation to decide what knowledge is possible and how it can ensure that research is adequate and legitimate. As Phillimore states, “qualitative methods are employed to collect data on activities, events, occurrences, and behaviors to seek an understanding of actions, problems, and processes in their social context.” Qualitative research is considered by some to be unscientific because it focuses on studying social life, which can differ depending on the subject. With the qualitative approach, the study of topics in their natural contexts is emphasized which allows res...